The overall goal of this project is to reduce the threat and spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) infestations from recreational watercraft, gear, and equipment

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 1 awarded a $121,006.67 Project Grant to the Idaho Department of Agriculture under the Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance (CFDA 15.608) program. The grant funding supports the Invasive Species Clean, Drain, Dry Media Campaign Project, which aims to reduce the threat and spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) infestations from recreational watercraft, gear, and equipment through outreach and education activities. Key initiatives include updating and printing the Idaho Watercraft Inspection Passport, producing Clean, Drain, Dry promotional items, and delivering targeted media campaign activities. These efforts directly support the implementation of the Idaho Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan. The grant period runs from June 20, 2023 to June 30, 2025.

The primary activities associated with this financial award are focused on conducting outreach and education to diverse audiences on aquatic invasive species. The invasive species clean, drain, dry media campaign project is necessary to implement the outreach initiatives outlined in the idaho aquatic nuisance species management plan for idaho. Idaho state department of agriculture will coordinate with a statewide media contactor to update and print the idaho watercraft inspection passport, produce clean, drain, dry promotional items and deliver various targeted media campaign activities. All project activities are focused around the clean, drain, dry campaign which specifically educates the boating public on how to and the importance of effectively cleaning all debris from watercraft, draining all compartments of standing water, and allowing watercraft to thoroughly dry after each use. These steps are highly effective at mitigating the risk of aquatic invasive species movement to UN-infested waterbodies.